Zesty Sorrel

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Indian Sorrel, or Bladder Dock (Rumex vesicarius)

As its common name implies, this sorrel comes from the Indian subcontinent. The leaves are somewhat round, mildly sour and succulent. Indian sorrel is great in mixed salads. “Bladder dock” refers to the seed pods, which are like small bladders that can be popped when squeezed between the fingers. This low-growing sorrel (about 8 inches tall) fits well into small gardens as a border plant. It goes to seed during hot weather, but successive plantings can keep it in constant production from April through October. This annual plant can only be grown from seed.

Patience Dock (Rumex patientia)

Patience dock was highly regarded by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and remains a French favorite today. It was introduced to the United States during colonial times and now has naturalized in many parts of the country. This deep-rooted, hardy perennial tastes like spinach and reseeds easily. Be aware that it can become invasive. It makes a nice background plant; well-fertilized specimens can reach the height of 6 to 8 feet! Furthermore, it is one of the first frost-tolerant greens to appear in early spring (mid-March in my Pennsylvania garden), so you have something worth harvesting even before you plant potatoes.

CULTURAL TIPS

There are only a few places in the United States where these sorrels will not thrive. Anywhere from Zone 9 to Zone 4 will do. All the sorrels discussed, with the exception of Indian sorrel, are perennial. A killing frost will put the plants into dormant mode for winter. You can start plants indoors during February, then transplant outside once the threat of frost has passed. Or you can seed directly in the ground once frost has passed. (Since it is frost-tolerant, Patience dock can be planted outside as early as March.)

Plant seedlings 8 to 10 inches apart in semi-shade, or in parts of the garden that do not get full sun during the hottest part of the day. Once established, your sorrels will continue for many years. If you’d like to replant them in different areas, you can lift and divide them every five years or so, transplanting them to new ground.

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